Legislative Overview ~ April 29, 2025
The Senate considered and voted on several significant bills out of Industry and Business, Appropriations and Education. The session also included extended discussion and amendment consideration for SB2015 (Appropriations), reflecting the Senate’s focus on appropriations, industry, business, agriculture, veterans affairs, and education, with most measures receiving broad bipartisan backing
During the floor session several important legislative actions took place, including the consideration and passage of key bills across multiple areas. The House approved conference committee reports and floor debate, with all measures passing by significant margins. These actions demonstrate the Legislature’s commitment to advancing government operations, funding essential services, supporting infrastructure, and investing in education, reflecting a broad focus on strengthening communities throughout the state.
Here is a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:
12 Bills Passed in the Senate:
HB1018, HB1214, HB1448, HB1524, SB2009, SB2019, SB2354, & SB2390. There were none that were failed, though SB2015 was sent back to conference committee.
5 Bills Passed in the House:
HB1009, HB1010, HB1144, HB1229, HB1524, SB2020, SB2029, SB2033, SB2113, SB2147, SB2265, & SB2370. There were none that were failed.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2308: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0776-06000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of a task force to review and consolidate various state boards and commissions in North Dakota. The bill amends multiple sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to workforce safety, education, public health, and environmental agencies. It also repeals certain boards and commissions deemed redundant or unnecessary. This could impact businesses that interact with state agencies by potentially reducing regulatory complexity and streamlining government oversight.
It is a consolidation effort aimed at reviewing and potentially merging various state boards and commissions in North Dakota. The bill seeks to streamline government operations by evaluating the necessity of existing boards, with the goal of improving efficiency and reducing redundancy. This could lead to changes in how businesses and individuals interact with state regulatory bodies.
HB1448: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0883-04000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of an advanced technology grant program and review committee to support early-stage research, development, and innovation in North Dakota. The bill establishes eligibility criteria for startups and small businesses seeking funding for advanced technology projects, with priority given to areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The bill appropriates $5 million for the program and outlines requirements for monitoring and evaluating grant recipients’ progress.
~ As the North Dakota legislative session nears its conclusion, most of the final bills emerging from conference committees are major appropriation measures or high-profile, often contentious items such as education, health and human services, or corrections. These bills are typically delayed until the end of the session for several reasons: lawmakers want to gauge how much of the budget remains for allocation, and they often postpone the most complex or controversial decisions to allow more time for research, negotiation, and public feedback. This process underscores the importance of staying informed and engaged-because the timing and content of these decisions provide opportunities for citizens to influence their legislators and shape the final outcomes at the state Capitol. What’s been missing from this session? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 